Obviously that’s very difficult to confirm, but it makes some sense. Nazr Mohammed’s contract is expiring this offseason and Pleiss could potentially step in and fill that role. Or at least try and make an impression during Summer League.

Pleiss was picked 31st overall by the Nets in the 2010 draft and was traded to the Hawks who then sold his rights to the Thunder. Pleiss averaged 6.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg in Euroleague and 10.1 ppg and 6.0 rpg in Bundesliga.

At the very worst, if we bring him over, we can still trade him to the bobcats for a second round pick that's almost the same as a late first rounder and basically get back what we paid for him in the first place

Seems to me that he doesn't have interest in coming to the States yet anyway. Read that he wanted to play in Spain for a couple years before trying his hand in the NBA. But that was written in 2010. So who knows?

I'm hoping for a Marc Gasol light (hopefully a diamond in the rough). An above average post defender who is very solid running the pick and pop. A few years in the league can make him into a more mobile Mosgov or Omar Asik. At least that's what his potential can be. Luckily we have the summer and off-season to work on him.

Pleiss will be fine as a 3rd center. He's unathletic (can barely jump) but is fundamentally sound. Good defender, good rebounder and, surprisingly, has developed a jump shot. He shot 43% from 3-point range for the season (12 for 28).

Sport1: Chris Fleming (Coach of Bamberg) says you're dreaming of the NBA. Right after the draft two years ago you said that you aren't really interested in the NBA and you don't know the names of most of the players...

Pleiß: That has changed. Of course it's not easy to follow if the games start at 4 or 5 am but the OKC Thunder and I are in close contact. They send me most of their games on DVD so that I can look at them and get a feeling for them (I guess he means the playing style). Since I'm thinking of OKC every now and then I'm very interested to see what's going on there.

Sport1: With which players do you stay in touch via mobile or social networks?

Pleiß: I don't have any contact to the players yet. Two years ago I met KD and Westbrook and had the chance to greet them at the FIBA WC but that's it for now.

Sport1: When do you decide if you're going to NBA this summer?

Pleiß: Not now, probably after this season. I'm trying to concentrate on the present: the playoffs and the championship.

Sport1: But according to rumors OKC staff members visit Bamberg quite a lot and look after you. Who else, besides GM Sam Presti, turns up at your place?

Pleiß: Scouts, physical therapists, athletic coaches. Last time five people were here and watched me. I like that they're so interested in me.

Sport1: Are they involved in your individual training?

Pleiß: They tell my coaches what they'd like to see and until now I managed to do what they want.

Sport1: Anything specific?

Pleiß: Good passes, going hard for rebounds, defense and the occasional jumper from outside the paint.

@diddoff Beginning of the game showing he got the pick and pop thing going on. Something rebounding seemed very natural to him too (meaning he had a keen sense of were the ball was going when it hit rim or back board)

@diddoff I just see him being really disruptive with his length on both ends (when it comes to rebounding). I see Brooks developing him along with Cole to be great rebounders and low post defenders. Perk and Collison would be great teachers for them